Human service agencies are in the midst of a major shift from a focus on activities to a focus on results. They are getting this message from many directions - state and local governments, private foundations, corporate offices of philanthropy, individual donors, and their own national associations.

The potential benefits of the shift to a focus on outcomes are broad. Agencies will have invaluable information for increasing the effectiveness of their programs. Program participants will receive services that are shown to produce positive change.

Planning and implementing the new focus requires -- and deserves -- care and time.

The United Way System

Why local United Way organizations have implemented outcome measurement. Six major challenges they face, their current progress nationwide, and findings from the National Learning Project on Using Program Outcome Data to Create Measurable Change.

Health, Human Service, and Youth-Serving Organizations

Outcome measurement activities of 27 national health and human service organizations. National health and human service organizations with which United Way of America has collaborated regarding outcome measurement and links to their Web sites.

Other Nonprofit Sector Organizations

Links to information on the outcome-focused approaches of other funders and service providers.

Public Sector Agencies

Links to information on major federal and other public sector outcome measurement, performance measurement, and benchmarking initiatives, including GPRA, ICMA, state funding requirements, Minnesota Milestones, and many others.